Proposals to allow tourists to rent out three-wheeled cars will result in “panic and turmoil” on the Island’s roads, according to a spokesman for the taxi industry.

Derek Young, President of the Bermuda Taxi Owners and Operators Association, spoke out after Government confirmed it was examining options for alternative rental vehicles for visitors, who are currently restricted to driving only rental scooters.

But Mr Young said the proposal could increase traffic congestion and make roads more dangerous.

“Renting these vehicles to tourists will not only become a nuisance to the driving public but will also be a danger to all those using our roads including the tourist operating the vehicle,” he said.

“We all know that people’s instinct allows them to do what comes natural in a panic situation. I predict more panic and turmoil on our roads than ever before if this idea is implemented.

“Also, our stressed, narrow, windy roads are difficult now for tourists to manoeuvre on a moped, much less a car.

“There’s no worse feeling than having a tourist driving or riding directly in your path head on. Now we’re talking about this happening in cars. Who came up with this idea?

“Time and time again as a driver, I see rented mopeds ridden by tourists riding on the wrong side of the road.

“If it were not for many alert Bermudians or residents we certainly would have more serious accidents or even deaths due to this carelessness.

“When tourists are driving around in our crowed Hamilton streets, where are they going to park?

“Are designated larger parking bays going to be implemented around the city to accommodate these vehicles to park?

“We as locals have to drive around the streets now looking for parking spaces. Are these vehicles just going to be allowed to park anywhere on our streets?

“With the present fleet of taxis, minibuses, government buses and scooter mopeds, who are all in competition with each other, I see no need to make our roads any worse than they already are by allowing tourists to rent cars.

Although Government has pledged to increase taxi fare rates when Parliament resumes next month, Mr Young said that an increase in the types of vehicle available to visitors could decrease demand for taxis, delivering another blow to the industry.

“It appears every time we make strides, headway or gain, something detrimental happens that negatively effects the taxi industry,” he said.

“As a taxi owner and operator I cannot allow the taxi industry to just sit back and watch this proposed idea go forward without our voices being heard. We must stand up for our rights and protect our business.

“The taxi industry has been stressed for some time now and we have been assured some relief is right around the corner.

“However with the idea of allowing tourists to rent cars or trikes will be a detriment to this Island and the serious accident rate will increase.

“People in the tourism industry should concentrate simply on getting more people to the island and provide them with options of first class entertainment.

“Leave the transportation aspect of the business for those who know best, those who know transportation, and those who are the ambassadors of the Island.

It is understood that a number of entrepreneurs have recently approached the newly created Tourism Authority suggesting that a wider range of vehicles be made available to tourists.

Last week Tourism Authority chairman David Dodwell told The Bermuda Sun that the proposal should be investigated, although he added that “careful thought” would be needed.

And he insisted that and scheme should not take business away from taxi drivers or buses.

Mr Young said that the BTOA will be holding meeting to discuss the matter in the next few weeks and will issue a formal statement after receiving feedback from members.